Throughout spring practice, GatorCountry.com senior columnist Mark McLeod will try to follow the progress of several players who are expecting to play a key role for the Gators in 2008. These are not returning starters, but reserves from a year ago who are trying to step up or players at positions where help is definitely needed.
Defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap (6’6, 290) has been running as a reserve at end. As we all know, Dunlap is a bit of a freak, physically speaking. He is still learning the game though. I really like watching Dunlap run. He will hustle and try to run down the play. There are seemingly two things that he needs to improve upon- reacting, which will only come through repetition and getting off blocks. You can see Dunlap read the play and then react to the ball. Unfortunately, by then the block has been made and he spends additional time trying to get off the block and back into the play. I saw a terrific block that Jason Watkins laid on him. Watkins locked him down and it frustrated Dunlap a little that he couldn’t get off the block. He was corrected by defensive line coach Dan McCarney, who told him to plant his feet hard and run. He had worked off a block on this play and kind of lightly ran to the ball. McCarney was dead on target, it wouldn’t have taken much of a block to get Dunlap off his stride or perhaps off his feet for that matter.
Two backs who are making a push for considerable playing time are Chris Rainey (5’9, 177) and Mon Williams (6’1, 214). Rainey has broken several runs for big yardage, demonstrating his surprising power and quickness. He has proven to be elusive at time for tacklers to grab, which has been the norm. The added weight that Rainey has put on gives him an advantage. I’m sure that some of you are questioning how a guy that weighs about 180 has added much strength.
All that I can say is to recall how former Florida State star Warrick Dunn improved after a couple of years in the Seminoles weight room and you’ll understand what I’m trying to explain.
Williams told me after practice that he feels stronger physically and mentally. He ran a 4.35 this spring. He said that he has a much better feel for what is going on out there. Williams also added that he really enjoys running in the wishbone and grinned at the prospect of the formation with Florida’s other backs. Today, Williams made a wonderful run to the right side of the field in red zone work. He went off tackle and patiently waited for a block, before cutting back and sprinting outside for the corner of the endzone. He beat the defenders there and was properly credited for the touchdown.
It was interesting to see the Florida offensive line coaches, particularly Steve Addazio working with sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert (6’6, 308). He really stayed on Gilbert at times today. Gilbert lined up at second team right guard to start drills and gave us a mixed bag. He was solid at times and on rare occasion drew the praises of the coaches. Gilbert also missed a few blocks or opportunities to drive a defender out of the play and didn’t do so, drawing the ire of the coaches.
After Saturday’s first day in pads, I told you about redshirt freshman fullback Steve Wilks (6’1, 207) and his solid effort. Well, Wilks effort was still as strong as ever, but he missed several blocks on linebackers that would have helped spring a back for additional yardage after cracking through the line of scrimmage. He is a young guy just learning the ropes though. Wilks was getting a lot of one-on-one training from John Hevesy. Hopefully, he’ll put on 10-12 pounds this summer.
Two of the blocks that Wilks threw on plays going wide were kick outs in which he pancaked reserve linebacker Chris Pintado on one of those blocks. He missed once after drawing a bead on Jerimy Finch. However, Finch dodged Wilks attempted block and made the tackle. Wilks missed another block at the second level a couple of plays later. After both plays Coach Addazio spoke to Wilks and explained what he needed to do on the play. Again, there is absolutely no limit on Wilks heart or effort, he just desperately needs the reps. I really like this guy.
